Apparatus, method, and system for water shaping including for zero edge pools and related systems

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, method and system for water shaping, including for zero edge pools and related systems, comprising either: (a) a unique dam intended and designed to dimensionally occupy the front of a ledge formed in a shell, where it can serve as a mounting location for waterline finish material as well as serving as the foundation and support for a distinctive mounting plate and related parts that serve, in conjunction with the dam element, as a means of support for coping surface materials and otherwise help to define the enclosed trough of the invention; or (b) a spout-shaped water scupper, such as that shown in FIG.  12  is combined with a planar water-baffle, such as is shown in e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520, to produce a spout-shaped scupper with a pleasing sheetfall appearance analogous to that produced by the linear scupper shown in FIG.  11  when combined with such a baffle; or (c) both (a) and (b).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Water shaping method, apparatus, and system for water shaping including for zero edge pools and related systems, and for a water feature for a scupper with laminar flow induced by scupper design and combination with a planar baffle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention pertains generally to the field of swimming and bathing pools, and more specifically to recirculation systems for such pools including a water overflow edge and related systems for water shaping, such as scuppers and baffles. More particularly, the invention teaches the construction and elements of an improved “zero edge” system and related devices for incorporation and use in such systems. Zero edge systems are characterized by the presence of a static water level of the body of water in the pool or similar system being equal to the same grade/elevation as the coping/perimeter finish material adjacent the body of water. This grade/elevation will vary while in operation based on the thickness of water's meniscus as it overflows the weir/edge into an overflow capture and recirculation trough.

Swimming pools, spas, fountains, and other architectural bodies of water are typically provided with systems for re-circulating water in order to send water contained in the body of water through a filtration system and reintroduce it into the water body. In the progression/evolution of swimming pool/spa and water-shaping industries, many design details have been introduced into such systems for their aesthetic qualities. Such details provide aesthetic benefits while simultaneously meeting the requirements for the circulation, filtration, or sanitation of the body of water. “Vanishing edge” and “zero edge” details are examples of these types of aesthetic design features, as are baffled scuppers disclosed and claimed herein, for water shaping.

Vanishing edge and zero edge designs reveal a clean water edge by overflow. This overflow is part of a system for re-circulating water over a portion of the perimeter of a body of water's surface area. The edges where water overflows the perimeter are called weirs. As the water overflows a weir it is collected in a perimeter trough system adjacent and below the perimeter defined by the weir. From the trough system water is drained back to a separate reservoir location. The pump for the system then draws the water from the reservoir and re-circulates it back to the body of water where it once again enters the body of water and continues the cycle. In zero edge systems, the weir location has moved from using the structural shell of the body of water to form the weir. Instead, the structural shell is modified to inset and enclose the trough/collection system.

An early example of this type of system is provided in FIG. 1. As will be noted from review of this drawing figure, this particular embodiment of the concept features an upward opening overflow slot 3 that is significantly inset from a side edge 5 of a pool or other body of water 1. However, this form and mode of construction has at least two serious draw-backs. First, using the width of the shell structure 4 as the weir keeps the coping/finish material 2 submerged by overflowing water 1B, causing a slip hazard unless specific material is used with an approved friction coefficient. This limits and restricts available material options. In addition, when the structural shell 4 is used to form the weir, slot 3 and trough 5A are contained within a secondary structure/appendage 4A that must be built on the outside perimeter of shell 4 and the coping 2 forming the weir after the shell has been completed. The lack of monolithic build provides for additional labor days, material, and issues with waterproofing the joint between the two structures, all of which add to inconvenience and cost of construction.

A more current example of such a system is provided in FIG. 2, illustrating an overflow collection trough construction method and type with an upward opening overflow slot 3 minimally inset from a side edge 5 of a pool or other body of water 1 by a relatively thin plate of material 6 (typically formed from stainless steel). The trough system of this type of zero edge system is created within the structural shell 4 by placement of a hollow form in the shape of the intended trough 5A, and filling around it. In this situation, it is very difficult to obtain a consistent fill on either side of the form. This results in the dam portion of shell 4 located between trough 5A and pool side 5 as well as the portion supporting coping material 2 being consistently imperfect, with hollow spaces, requiring hours of labor and bags of sac material to correct for the installation of the finish materials. Further, the lack of support for coping material 2 adjacent pool edge 5 requires the use of cantilevered stainless steel plates underneath coping material 2 to carry the finish material and the normal weight of persons or objects typically traversing the top of coping/finish material 2. Consequently, problems arising from previous methods and materials have made zero edge systems notoriously expensive to execute and extremely problematic in terms of not being sufficiently waterproof, compact, and reasonable in terms of construction costs. While these examples are noted to be known constructs and are sometimes referred to herein as “prior art”, this is not intended to imply that the referenced information constitutes novelty or inventive step/nonobviousness defeating information.

In another feature of the invention, related to the zero edge pool system, is the shaping of water by baffled scuppers, as disclosed herein, whereas known scuppers typically do not include a baffle component. Operating together, the baffled scupper system and the zero edge pool system disclosed herein provide a very aesthetically pleasing combination of elements for water features.

In the field of water features, e.g. for swimming pools, it is common for water features to be included as an aesthetic element and an enhancement. Typically, such water features include a source of water flow to a linear water feature, of from a few inches wide to up to a foot or two wide, over which water flows to produce a pleasing, laminar flow. The same cannot be said for additional sources of water flowing into a pool, such as spout-shaped scuppers, which are often or generally little more than outlets of water that flows almost as a from a pipe, with little shaping of the water flow. The result is that while the linear water feature, such as that shown in FIG. 11, provides a pleasing continuous sheet of water, the water emerging from the spout-shaped scuppers interrupts the aesthetics by providing a more ragged water flow.

At this point, it is helpful to consider terminology, for which a helpful resource is provided at http://www.luxurypools.com/blog/water-features-pools-design-installation-cost, accessed on Nov. 1, 2017:

-   -   “Fountain bubbler, foam jet, sun jet. This feature shoots up out         of the pool floor and falls back on itself, like a mini geyser         and is usually placed on a Baja shelf (a shallow sun ledge or         extended first step).     -   Deck jet, fountain spitter: A deck jet is an inexpensive option         that shoots a narrow stream of water from the deck into the         pool. The stream contains air and water sprays slightly apart in         droplets.     -   Laminar jet: A more expensive jet that produces a steady,         forceful arc of bubble-free water, creating the illusion of a         glass tube. It can be hidden in flowerbeds and is often lit by         LEDs to create a colorful visual effect at night.     -   Sheetfall: As the name implies, this feature has sheet of water         that flows down from a thin, flattened spillway.     -   Sconce: A decorative object mounted on a wall from which a         narrow stream of water flows.     -   Scupper: This feature sends water across a small ledge before         falling down into the pool.     -   Rainfall curtain: A series of pencil-like streams of water rain         down from an elevated beam to create a curtain of water.     -   Rock waterfall: Usually seen with tropical, lagoon-style pools,         this type of waterfall varies in size and complexity.     -   Waterwall: This feature sends water cascading from above and         flowing down the wall.”

What is of interest in the present patent disclosure is a scupper feature that sends water across a small ledge before falling down into the pool. Whereas, in the art, instances have been found whereby a planar baffle has been utilized in combination with a sheetfall scupper with a significant lateral dimension such as those shown in FIG. 11, and see, e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520, a combination of a spout-shaped scupper with a planar baffle has not been identified as a known commercial product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention seeks to overcome the limitations of systems known in the art in a manner that is cost-effective and efficient. To do this, the inventor has developed a system that primarily relies on two distinctive but interacting innovations/elements. The first element is a unique dam intended and designed to dimensionally occupy the front of a ledge formed in the shell, where it can serve as a mounting location for waterline finish material as well as serving as the foundation and support for the apparatus comprising the second element, a distinctive mounting plate and related parts that serve, in conjunction with the dam element, as a means of support for coping surface materials and otherwise help to define the enclosed trough of the invention.

The system is installed in the following basic steps. First, a 6″ deep and 8″ wide ledge is cut/formed/shaped in the pool/spa shell at its top adjacent the top thereof such that it will be adjacent a body of water that will fill the pool/spa. Second, the dam of the invention is installed and anchored in the leading 4″ of the ledge. Third, waterproofing membrane/material is installed over the dam, back down through trough, and then up onto a rear high-point of the ledge. Fourth, waterline finish material is installed on a leading side of the dam to create a static water level. Fifth, the mounting plate of the invention and associated elements are installed between the high-point of the ledge and the dam so as to span the trough created. Then to complete, the coping/finish material for the shell top at body of water is installed on top of the mounting plate with its top at equal elevation/grade to the top of the waterline finish material.

The foregoing elements and steps of the invention serve to create a water overflow edge device and system for a swimming pool or similar body of water that is particularly solid and resistant, while being relatively light. Moreover, the system, apparatus and method of the invention result in a water overflow edge and trough combination for a swimming pool that is simple to manufacture, as well as to install. Similarly, the baffled scupper of this invention may be combined with a zero edge pool system according to this invention, or used independently thereof.

The present invention disclosure further provides a spout-shaped scupper combined with a planar baffle to produce a pleasing water feature from a scupper which otherwise would disrupt the aesthetics of, for example, a pool with sheetfall water features produced by a combination of a water feature such as that shown in FIG. 1, with a baffle, as shown in e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520.

These purposes according to the present invention are achieved in the creation of a water overflow edge and trough combination, and a baffled scupper, based on the elements and method of the invention as generally outlined above, and more specifically described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of prior art overflow collection trough construction (prior art collection trough assembly type 1) wherein an upward opening overflow slot is significantly inset from a side edge of a pool or other body of water;

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of prior art overflow collection trough construction (prior art collection trough assembly type 2) wherein an upward opening overflow slot is minimally inset from a side edge of a pool or other body of water;

FIG. 3A provides a cross-sectional schematic view of pool/spa shell constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention, as prepared for, but prior to inclusion of, other apparatus in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention;

FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional schematic view of overflow collection trough construction and apparatus of the invention, which also features an upward opening overflow slot minimally inset from a side edge of a pool or other body of water;

FIG. 4A provides a first perspective view of the top of the zero edge plate along with certain other associated parts used in the construction of the instant invention;

FIG. 4B provides a first perspective view of the bottom of the zero edge plate along with certain associated parts used in the construction of the instant invention;

FIG. 5A provides a side edge view of the zero edge plate of the invention;

FIG. 5B provides a top plan view of the zero edge plate of the invention;

FIG. 5C provides a bottom plan view of the zero edge plate of the invention;

FIG. 5D provides a front (water-side) view of the zero edge plate of the invention, and includes a corbel end detail and a connection end detail for said plate;

FIG. 6A provides a front (water-side) view of the zero edge plate in combination with certain other elements of the invention;

FIG. 6B provides a top plan view of the zero edge plate in combination with certain other elements of the invention;

FIG. 6C provides a bottom plan view of the zero edge plate in combination with other elements of the invention;

FIG. 7A provides a perspective view of the corbel primary of the invention;

FIG. 7B provides an end view of the corbel primary of the invention;

FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of the corbel secondary of the invention;

FIG. 8B provides an end view of the corbel secondary of the invention;

FIG. 9A provides a perspective view of the bridge of the invention;

FIG. 9B provides an end view of the bridge of the invention;

FIG. 10A provides a perspective view of the pool facing side of the zero edge dam of the invention;

FIG. 10B provides a perspective view of the trough facing side of the zero edge dam of the invention.

FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of two sheetfall producing water scuppers, one 12 inches wide, (A), and one 24 inches wide, (B), when combined with a baffle, as shown in e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520.

FIG. 12 provides a spout-shaped water scupper (A) with a ragged water flow; (B) a diagram of a planar baffle for use in combination with the spout-shaped water scupper; (C) a photograph of a planar baffle; and (D) water flow from a spout-shaped scupper combined with a planar baffle, such that water flow is first guided through the baffle such as that shown in (B) or (C) before emerging through the spout, to produce a more pleasing effect from such a scupper, analogous to the sheetfall appearance of the linear water scupper shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION; WRITTEN AND ENABLING DESCRIPTION

The overall features of the zero edge pool aspect of the instant invention can best be understood by review of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A provides an initial cross-sectional schematic view of pool/spa shell 4B, which is initially constructed in accordance with known prior-art methods, but with the following modifications: the inclusion of 6″ deep and 8″ wide cut-out 4B1, and the placement of suitably spaced rebar pins 4B2 to be used for anchoring the distinctive dam element 7 of the invention. As will be noted from FIG. 3B as well as FIGS. 10A and 10B, dam element 7 comprises an elongate element with a cross-section forming a right-triangle and having suitable sockets for mounting to spaced rebar pins 4B2 with its flat upright side 7A positioned towards the pool edge 5. After this, a waterproofing membrane/material 8 may be advantageously installed over the dam 7, back down through trough 5A, and then up onto a rear high-point 4B3 of the ledge of shell 4B. Following this, a waterline finish material such as the illustrated planar granite member 9 is installed on a leading side of the dam 7 to create a static water level with the top of said member forming the weir over which water spills into trough 5A via slot 3. (As will be noted, dam 7 has routed grooves on all three outward surfaces that will, on installation, be adjacent pool/finish material 9, trough 5A and shell 4B, so as to form strong mechanical bonds when appropriate sealants or other appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used to connect these elements of the invention). Next, mounting plate 10 of the invention and associated elements are installed between the high-point of the ledge 4B3 and the dam 7 so as to span the trough 5A created. Then to complete construction, the coping/finish material 2B for the shell 4B is installed on top of the mounting plate 10 so as to be even with its upper surface at the same elevation as the top of the waterline finish material 9.

With the foregoing overview in mind, a more detailed review of dam 7 as well mounting plate 10 and its associated elements will provide further insights into the construction, operation and advantages of the invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B provide perspective views of, respectively, the top and bottom surfaces of the zero edge mounting plate 10 along with certain other associated parts used in the construction of the instant invention, while FIGS. 5A through 9B provide numerous additional details related to both plate 10 and associated parts. As will first be noted, plate 10 and its associated parts—bridge 11, primary corbel 12, and secondary corbel 13—are provided with routed dovetail grooves and/or interfacing dovetail tabs in appropriate locations for use in joining parts (and/or in regard to plate 10, so as to be used in forming strong mechanical bonds between plate 10 and adjacent elements such as surface coping material 2B when appropriate sealants or other appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used to connect these elements of the invention).

More specific details in regard to the structure and use of bridge 11, primary corbel 12, and secondary corbel 13 in conjunction with plate 10 are provided in FIGS. 5A through 9B. As will be clear from FIGS. 5A through 9B, the aforesaid elements provide a system of interlocking and linked parts, with bridge 11 forming an extended linear member that joins to plate 10 proximate the edge of plate 10 overhanging trough 5A, and runs parallel to said overhanging edge of plate 10 so as to strengthen and stiffen this member for load bearing purposes. Likewise, primary corbel 12 and secondary corbel 13 extend across bridge 10 and beyond and over trough 5A so as to abut and rest on dam 7, thereby also providing support for the portion of plate 10 overhanging trough 5A. In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 6A, corbels 12, 13 provide means for linking successive plates 10 together end-to-end as needed to provide underlying plate 10 structure for extended zero edge construction in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

With respect to the spout-shaped water scupper, such as that shown in FIG. 12 when combined with a planar water-baffle, such as is shown in e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520, to produce a spout-shaped scupper with a pleasing sheetfall appearance analogous to that produced by the linear scupper shown in FIG. 11 when combined with such a baffle.

Accordingly, in this aspect of the present invention a spout-shaped water scupper in combination with planar water baffle, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520 is provided. The invention also provides a method of producing, from a spout-shaped water scupper, a laminar water flow with pleasing water feature contouring analogous to that produced by a linear water scupper, such as that shown in FIG. 11, by introducing a planar baffle into the water stream before the water stream is guided from the planar baffle into the spout-shaped scupper.

In view of the foregoing, it should be clear that numerous changes and variations can be made without exceeding the scope of the inventive concept outlined. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) of the invention herein described is/are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiment(s) is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to be filed with the non-provisional patent application, which will recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

PARTS AND FEATURES ILLUSTRATED IN DRAWING FIGURES

-   -   1 Body of Water     -   1 A Static Water Level     -   2 Coping Material/Layer Adjacent Body of Water     -   2A Coping Material/Layer Over Secondary Structure     -   2B Coping Material/Layer of the Invention     -   3 Overflow Slot     -   4 Concrete Shell Adjacent Body of Water     -   4A Secondary Concrete Structure for Trough     -   4B Concrete Shell of the Invention     -   4B1 Cut-out     -   4B2 Rebar pin     -   4B3 High point of shell ledge     -   5 Side Edge of Pool     -   5A Collection Trough     -   6 “Lautner's Plate”     -   7 Dam     -   7A Flat upright Dam side     -   7B Inclined Dam side     -   8 Waterproof membrane     -   9 Water line finish material     -   10 Mounting plate     -   11 Bridge     -   12 Primary corbel     -   13 Secondary corbel 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for water shaping, including for zero edge pools and related systems, comprising either: (a) a unique dam intended and designed to dimensionally occupy the front of a ledge formed in a shell, where it can serve as a mounting location for waterline finish material as well as serving as the foundation and support for a distinctive mounting plate and related parts that serve, in conjunction with the dam element, as a means of support for coping surface materials and otherwise help to define the enclosed trough of the invention; or (b) a spout-shaped water scupper, such as that shown in FIG. 12 is combined with a planar water-baffle, such as is shown in e.g U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520, to produce a spout-shaped scupper with a pleasing sheetfall appearance analogous to that produced by the linear scupper shown in FIG. 11 when combined with such a baffle; or (c) both (a) and (b).
 2. The apparatus for water shaping according to claim 1 comprising the inclusion of 6″ deep and 8″ wide cut-out 4B1, and the placement of suitably spaced rebar pins 4B2 to be used for anchoring the distinctive dam element 7 of the invention, a baffled water scupper, or both.
 3. The water feature according to claim 2 wherein dam element 7 comprises an elongate element with a cross-section forming a right-triangle and having suitable sockets for mounting to spaced rebar pins 4B2 with its flat upright side 7A positioned towards the pool edge
 5. 4. The water feature according to claim 3 wherein waterproofing membrane/material is installed over the dam 7, back down through trough 5A, and then up onto a rear high-point 4B3 of the ledge of shell 4B.
 5. The water feature according to claim 4 wherein a waterline finish material such as the illustrated planar granite member 9 is installed on a leading side of the dam 7 to create a static water level with the top of said member forming the weir over which water spills into trough 5A via slot
 3. 6. The water feature according to claim 5 wherein dam 7 has routed grooves on all three outward surfaces that will, on installation, be adjacent pool/finish material 9, trough 5A and shell 4B, so as to form strong mechanical bonds when appropriate sealants or other appropriate bonding/finishing materials are used to connect these elements of the invention.
 7. The water feature according to claim 6 wherein mounting plate 10 of the invention and associated elements are installed between high-point of ledge 4B3 and dam 7 so as to span trough 5A created thereby.
 8. The water feature according to claim 7 wherein coping/finish material 2B for shell 4B is installed on top of the mounting plate 10 so as to be even with its upper surface at the same elevation as the top of the waterline finish material
 9. 9. The water feature according to claim 1 comprising dam 7 and mounting plate
 10. 10. The water feature according to claim 1 comprising a spout-shaped water scupper in combination with planar water baffle such as that shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,249,744, 4,881,280, and 6,382,520.
 11. A method of producing, from a spout-shaped water scupper, a laminar water flow with pleasing water feature contouring analogous to that produced by a linear water scupper such as that shown in FIG. 11, by introducing a planar baffle into the water stream before the water stream is guided from the planar baffle into the spout-shaped scupper. 